18-year-old arraigned over fight that ended with partygoer dead

Tuesday

Sep 3, 2013 at 6:12 PMSep 3, 2013 at 8:17 PM

By Scott J. Croteau, TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

WORCESTER — Tensions were palpable as Michael Ventura entered a Central District Court hearing room Tuesday, but his arraignment on a charge of assaulting an 18-year-old with a bottle Sunday ended after just a few shouts. The assault victim died Sunday.

As prosecutors await the results of an autopsy of the victim, Robert Walker of Blackstone, Mr. Ventura was arraigned in connection with the alleged attack that preceded Mr. Walker's death. Mr. Ventura is the only person police and prosecutors have identified as a suspect.

Mr. Ventura, who is also 18, of 32 Granite St., Apt. 1, Worcester, was arraigned on a charge of aggravated assault and battery with dangerous weapon. He was held on $100,000 cash bail. A not-guilty plea was entered in the case.

Mr. Walker was found with a head wound and had been stabbed in the buttocks, according to court records. No details about the attack were revealed in court.

Mr. Ventura is to return to court Sept. 27.

Police detectives and gang unit officers were in the courthouse Tuesday as friends of both the victim and defendant watched the arraignment.

"Love you," one woman yelled to Mr. Ventura.

Almost instantly, another woman chimed in. "Rot in hell, you bastard," the second woman yelled.

The courtroom was cleared after the outbursts. Judge Andrew M. D'Angelo had issued a warning before the arraignment that disruptions would not be tolerated.

Police and court records show that Mr. Walker and Mr. Ventura were at an after-hours birthday party in a Crestwood Arms apartment at 121 Bailey St. on Sunday morning.

After arguing inside the apartment, the two young men went outside and fought.

One witness identified Mr. Ventura as the man who hit Mr. Walker in the head with a bottle, Detective Sgt. Thomas Radula wrote in the court records. Mr. Ventura allegedly chased Mr. Walker into the woods.

Sometime later, friends found Mr. Walker, unresponsive and not breathing, in the woods next to the apartment complex.

Police arrived about 4:45 a.m. Mr. Walker was taken to UMass Memorial Medical Center — University Campus and was pronounced dead about an hour later.